By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – In an intense heated battle under a surprisingly warm Seattle sky, the Sounders and visiting LAFC ultimately settled with a scoreless draw between themselves. The reigning MLS Cup champions and reigning Concacaf Champions League champions traded scoring chances against each other, but nothing was able to get through. Seattle keeper Stefan Frei in particular showed out for his club, making numerous saves throughout the 90 minutes to keep the zero on the scoreboard. Following the first two matches of the season, the Sounders have hit a wall with their offensive attack.
With the season debut of their “Bruce Lee” kit, Seattle had a special dragon decal added to their fire posts that go off pregame and after goals (Photos by Paul Kahl)
Heated contest under a warm Seattle sky
These two clubs have had some incredible battles since LAFC began their playing days in 2018, highlighted by the 2019 Western Conference final where the Sounders marched into Los Angeles and bounced LAFC. Considering the somewhat short lifetime of the rivalry that’s been filled with memorable matches, the two clubs have some decent history with each other, and that showed in this match. As both clubs battled to try and get their shot past each goalkeeper, the players on both sides showed intensity in their effort. Whether that was Aaron Long of LAFC poking at a ball that had been secured by Sounders keeper Stefan Frei or Seattle players taking exception to their opponents potentially going down a big easy. There was a compete level in this matchup that represented traces of playoff futbol. While we’re a long way away from the postseason, this is a contest we may see when October comes around.
The match was a seesaw of opportunities on goal, as Seattle did have legitimate shots on net and got a little unlucky on those said chances. A bouncing ball that snaked through the LAFC defense by Albert Rusnak in the 22nd minute, a Raul Ruidiaz shot that clipped off goalkeeper John McCarthy in the 45th minute, a juicy ball that Ruidiaz just barely missed on a header in the 50th minute, and a ball just out of volley range in the box for Cristian Roldan in the 74th minute. Those four key chances for Seattle were just inches off the mark and putting the Sounders on the board for what could have been the deciding score.
Sounders forward Raul Ruidiaz attempts an incredible volley (Photo by Nate Koppelman)
Trying to do too much on the attack?
Seattle had numerous opportunities on goal in the game, including two big chances according to FOTMOB, but part of the Sounders’ attacking problem was their own fault. Seattle had a handful of shots on goal where they were trying to do too much, which isn’t ideal when you consider the Sounders offensive struggles in their past two games. Seattle shouldn’t be attempting insane volleys, like Raul Ruidiaz attempted in the 28th minute. Another example comes in the 79th minute when Albert Rusnak went for a volley of a Jordan Morris pass that hung in the air, and Rusnak attempted to fire an immediate volley instead of taking time to settle and shoot considering the open space he had around him.
Seattle keeper Stefan Frei played lights out all 90 minutes (Photo by Nate Koppelman)
Mixed feelings following a draw against one of the better clubs in the league in recent years
For the first time in this 2023 campaign, I have totally neutral feelings on the result of a Sounders match. There were numerous positive takeaways following the wins against Colorado and Real Salt Lake, but mostly disappointing coming out of the FC Cincinnati loss. This draw to LAFC where Seattle was the better club on the stat sheet, and on home turf, could have easily been a victory. Considering the roster that LAFC has and their current run of form that dates to last season, settling for a scoreless tie to split the points isn’t a bad thing. Disappointing, sure, because of the points left on the table and how close you came to finding the back of the net, but this result is not a failure.
LAFC attacker Carlos Vela, former league MVP, brings the ball up field (Photo by Paul Kahl)
Standings
- Seattle:
- 3rd in Western Conference
- 6th in Supporters Shield
- LAFC:
- 2nd in Western Conference
- 5th in Supporters Shield
What’s next?
Following this draw with LAFC, the Sounders will head on the road for a two-game stretch that begins with a battle against Sporting Kansas City. A rival in recent years thanks to the actions of goalkeeper Tim Melia, Sporting will host Seattle on Saturday, March 25th with a kickoff time of 5:30PM PST. The Sounders will look to simplify their offensive approach against a winless Kansas City club that hasn’t found the back of the net yet but has only allowed one goal this year. Following six goals over their first two matches, Seattle must find their attack again unless they are okay with their play replicating last season’s struggles.
Check out photographer Paul Kahl’s complete match album here
Check out photographer Nate Koppelman’s complete match album here
